Irene Caroline (Baxter) Ekkel

Irene Caroline (Baxter) Ekkel, age 99 of Fremont, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 28, 2020.  Irene was born on April 9, 1920 to Guy and Edith (Curie) Baxter in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Irene always said that her goal was to get married and have a large family and she accomplished that goal.  Irene married Jake Ekkel on June 25, 1946 and in the following years she became a loving mother of seven, a grandmother of 20, a great grandmother of 34, and a great great grandmother of one. 

Irene was preceded in death by her husband Jake in 2006, by her son Larry in 1983, by her parents, and by three brothers and one sister. 

Irene is survived by one son (her favorite) and five daughters:  Bob (Wendy) Ekkel, Charleen Dunn, Sandy (Wayne) Gronso, Barb (Jim) Gearhart, Connie (Henry) Hartger, and Peggy Phillips.  Irene is also survived by two sisters-in-law:  Evelyn Baxter of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sharon Baxter of Gilroy, California; and by many nieces and nephews.

Irene was a member of First Baptist Church of Fremont.  Due to the current restrictions related to COVID-19 concerning social distancing, private family services will be held at the Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home with her grandson, Pastor Tom Ekkel officiating.  Interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont.  Suggested Memorials:  The First Baptist Church of Fremont Building Fund or Missionary Fund.  You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.      

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